DARBHANGA, June 19 -- Unexpected patches of naturally growing makhana (Euryale Ferox) in the impounded waters of a derelict channel of the Kamla River at Gausa Ghat in Bihar's Darbhanga district have opened up the possibility of a novel cultivation model that could transform abandoned river courses across Mithila region into productive aquatic farms, experts say. The shrunken river channel, marked by low water levels and extensive aquatic vegetation, now hosts several patches of self-germinated makhana leaves. What was once an ordinary stretch of stagnant water, has evolved into what researchers describe as a "living laboratory", demonstrating how simple hydraulic interventions such as check dams can create perennial water bodies capable of supporting Bihar's prized aquatic crop. The unusual growth first caught the attention of Dr Vidyanath Jha, former professor of botany at Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, and a noted authority on makhana, who stopped at the site while passing through Gausa Ghat and photographed the phenomenon. "The conditions created by the impounded water are suited for makhana cultivation," Vidyanath said. "This offers practical evidence that abandoned river channels can be utilised as reservoirs for the crop." The development is being attributed to water retention brought about after the state government constructed a check dam and a bathing ghat south of the road bridge at Gausa Ghat in view of public demand and the site's religious significance. The structure has ensured water storage on both sides of the bridge, even during the lean season, creating favourable conditions for the growth of makhana which is traditionally cultivated in stagnant freshwater bodies of north Bihar. Researchers believe strategically located check dams could retain post-monsoon water and convert seasonal riverbeds into perennial stretches suitable for double cropping of makhana, while simultaneously improving groundwater recharge and creating additional livelihood opportunities for rural communities. For decades, most channels of the Kamla have remained dry after October, carrying water only during the monsoon. The spontaneous emergence of scattered patches of makhana in the impounded waters near Gausa Ghat has renewed interest in harnessing these otherwise neglected stretches without bringing additional land under cultivation. Scientists at the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga, had demonstrated as early as 2014 the technical feasibility of sequential double cropping through transplantation during January-February and again in July. Experts suggest that extensive stretches of abandoned river channels across Mithila could be utilised for transplanting makhana seedlings during January and February if suitable water-retention structures are created. "The phenomenon highlights the enormous untapped potential of Bihar's derelict river systems. Construction of check dams could create perennial water bodies and trigger a new phase of expansion in makhana cultivation," researchers associated with the crop said. Rajya Sabha member and JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha, under whose tenure as Bihar's water resources minister the Gausa Ghat check dam project was initiated, said the structure had been conceived primarily for water storage and keeping in view the religious importance of the site. However, he said, it has unexpectedly thrown up a model worthy of scientific evaluation and possible replication in other derelict river channels and wetlands. Showing keen interest in the development, Sanjay said he would raise the matter at appropriate forums to explore its wider applicability. "Makhana is now gaining recognition globally as a superfood, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted it on several occasions," he said. The development assumes significance at a time when the Centre has announced the formation of the National Makhana Board and earmarked a tentative outlay of Rs.550 crore for promoting the crop in Bihar. Besides Bihar, states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir have also been brought under its ambit. Agricultural experts argue that future programmes aimed at expanding makhana cultivation should incorporate the construction of check dams in suitable abandoned river channels to enhance water storage capacity. With nearly 40,000 hectares already under makhana cultivation in Bihar, the accidental bounty in the forgotten waters of the Kamla may have revealed a blueprint for the next phase of growth in the state's "black diamond" economy....